British journal of anaesthesia
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Recent trials are conflicting as to whether titration of anaesthetic dose using electroencephalography monitoring reduces postoperative delirium. Titration to anaesthetic dose itself might yield clearer conclusions. We analysed our observational cohort to clarify both dose ranges for trials of anaesthetic dose and biological plausibility of anaesthetic dose influencing delirium. ⋯ NCT03124303, NCT01980511.
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The posterior dominant rhythm (PDR) was the first oscillatory pattern noted in the EEG. Evoked by wakeful eyelid closure, these oscillations dissipate over seconds during loss of arousal. The peak frequency of the PDR maintains stability over years, suggesting utility as a state biomarker in the surveillance of acute cognitive impairments. This EEG signature has not been systematically investigated for tracking cognitive dysfunction after anaesthetic-induced loss of consciousness. ⋯ NCT01911195.
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Observational Study
Quantitative analysis of early-stage EEG reactivity predicts awakening and recovery of consciousness in patients with severe brain injury.
Decisions of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy for patients with severe brain injury are often based on prognostic evaluations such as analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) reactivity (EEG-R). However, EEG-R usually relies on visual assessment, which requires neurophysiological expertise and is prone to inter-rater variability. We hypothesised that quantitative analysis of EEG-R obtained 3 days after patient admission can identify new markers of subsequent awakening and consciousness recovery. ⋯ An early-stage quantitative EEG-R marker was independently associated with awakening and 3-month level of consciousness in patients with severe brain injury. This promising marker based on functional connectivity will need external validation before potential integration into a multimodal prognostic model.
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Editorial Comment
Linking and unlinking the paediatric brain: age-invariant neural correlates of general anaesthesia.
There is no single electroencephalographic metric for general anaesthesia that is validated for both children and adults. This is, in part, because of the changing electroencephalographic features associated with development. Here, we discuss how alterations in correlated brain activity during general anaesthesia advance our understanding of anaesthetic monitoring and the neurobiology of consciousness.
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The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) has published in September 2022 guidance addressing perioperative anaemia. This editorial addresses the definition of anaemia for women and management of borderline anaemia in women. We also address implications of the CPOC guidance for anaesthetists and the future direction of anaemia research and management.